Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thunderous waterfalls and plunging fjords!

Day 1, Monday April 30 (depart home, board overnight flight)

Following our at-home-pickup-service, we transfer to the Vancouver Airport and depart this evening aboard Icelandair's overnight flight (7hr,15min) direct to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Day 2, Tuesday May 1 (arrive Reykjavik, Iceland)

This morning our flight arrives at Keflavik International Airport and we transfer by bus to Reykjavik, the capital and largest city of Iceland. We check-in this morning for a three-night stay at the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, ideally located among the shops and restaurants, in the city centre. Following breakfast at our hotel, and some time to relax in our rooms, we'll be introduced to Reykjavik with a neighbourhood walking tour. This evening is at leisure. Meals B

Day 3, Wednesday May 2 (Reykjavik - local touring)

This morning we set out on a walking tour of the city that features Hallgrimsskirkja Church, City Hall, the harbour, and Reykjavik's oldest building - home of the Kraum Icelandic Design Centre. Returning to our hotel, the afternoon is at leisure. This evening's Icelandic dinner completes our day. Meals BD

Day 4, Thursday May 3 (Reykjavik - tour the Golden Circle)

Today we travel the Golden Circle, a route encompassing many of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders. We begin at historic Thingvellir National Park, where the world's oldest existing parliament first met in AD930. Standing upon one of the most geologically significant landscapes, we gaze out over Thingvellir's rugged rift valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Next, we'll view the Gullfoss (Golden) Waterfall, a stunning 100 foot double cascade. Continuing to the thermal area of Geysir we'll admire the hot spring Strokkur's explosive vertical spout, that reaches a height of up to 90 feet. Our day concludes with a visit to Frioheimar greenhouse cultivation centre, where delicious tomatoes and cucumbers are grown with the aid of geothermal energy. We also learn about the tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses. Returning to Reykjavik, our evening is at leisure. Meals B

Day 5, Friday May 4 (Reykjavik to Stykkisholmur)

Departing Reykjavik we travel the dramatic landscape of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula; black and white sand beaches, cliffs, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, soaring waterfalls, rocky coastlines, intimate fishing villages, and the remarkable Snaefellsjokull glacier. This afternoon you have a choice. Select a guided Vatnshellir Cave tour and descend 100 feet below ground to an ancient lave tube to observe stalagmites, stalagtites, and the varied pigments of the rock formations. Or, you may choose to enjoy the textures, colours, and arrangements of nature's artwork during a surface walk of the lava field. Continuing, we pause at Kirkjufell, acclaimed to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland. We complete our day with a nature cruise in Breioafjordur Bay, where cormorants, kittiwakes, and white tailed eagles soar amongst basalt rock columns. While cruising, we'll be offered fresh scallops and sea urchin straight from the ocean! Our home tonight is the Fosshotel Stykkisholmur. Meals BD

Day 6, Saturday May 5 (Stykkisholmur to Vik)

This morning while visiting a family that keeps alive a 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving Greenland shark, we'll share their unique way of life, learn about Iceland's deep relationship with this trade, and sample a piece of hakare, their cured shark meat. Travelling along the south coast, we learn about geothermal renewable energy with a visit to Hellisheioavirkjun, the second largest geothermal power station in the world. We make a picture stop at Waterfall Seljalandsfoss, which offers views from the inside out, from a small cave behind the falls. Arriving in Vik, Iceland's most southerly village, and one of the country's most visited places, we check-in for three nights at the Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka. Meals BD

This morning we drive along the scenic south shore to Eyjafjallajokull Volcano Visitor Centre where we learn about the struggle to adapt to the dramatic 2010 explosion, that brought European flights to a halt. We visit the Skogar Museum which covers all aspects of Icelandic life including farm and domestic artifacts, as well as turf-built houses. We'll see Skogafoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls. We'll view Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs scattered with caves and rich bird life. Before returning to our Vik hotel, we'll see the unique natural rock formations at Dyrholaey. Meals BD

Day 8, Monday May 7 (Vik – cruise Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon)

This morning (weather permitting) we set sail among the huge icebergs of the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, with an opportunity to taste the ancient ice, and hopefully spot some seals. This afternoon we stop at Skaftafell, gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, the largest national park in Europe. Here, we marvel at the Alpine environment of Iceland's highest mountains and the Vatnajokull glacier, the largest in Europe. Meals BD

Day 9, Tuesday May 8 (Vik to Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik)

This morning we depart Vik, and travel the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its rugged landscape, lava fields, numerous hot springs, and home of the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a dramatic lava field. After a relaxing soak in the warm, mineral-rich water we continue to Reykjavik and return to the Hotel Centrum for a two-night stay. This evening is at leisure. Meals B

This morning (weather permitting) we explore the wonders of Iceland's waters during an informative whale watching adventure in the bay of Faxafloi, poised for minke and humpback whale sightings, along with harbour porpoises. Completing our cruise, we return to Reykajvik for an afternoon at leisure, followed by this evening's farewell dinner. Meals BD

Day 11, Thursday May 10 (Reykjavik to home)

Following a leisurely morning in Reykjavik, we depart this afternoon aboard Icelandair's non-stop flight (7hr,35min) to Vancouver. Transfers included to home from the Vancouver Airport. Meals B

ICELAND: LAND OF FIRE & ICE

Tour Includes

Airfare and taxes, round trip between

Vancouver and Reykjavik

Gratuities to drivers and guides

At home pickup and return (lower mainland)

Hotel accommodations, baggage handling

16 Meals (10 breakfasts, 6 dinners)

All attractions as described in brochure

Collette Insurance (see below)

Tour Price (Canadian Funds)

Each person, 2 sharing room............$7990

Single................................................$9760

Reserve

By Nov 20

Save $100

per person

Deposit Due $700 per person, ten days after reservation Balance Due Feb 13

Documents A passport is required, valid until at least August 10, 2018.

Activity Level

Many activities on this tour require significant walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and periods of standing. If you have difficulty walking, you may not be able to access some areas.

Collette Vacations Waiver & Insurance Plan (included with your tour)

Payments for this tour are fully refundable until a November 20. After November 20, in the event of cancellation for any reason prior to the day of departure, the Collette Cancellation Waiver, which is included with this tour, guarantees a full refund of all payments, less a cancellation fee of $350. On the day of departure the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price, unless the cancellation is for a medical reason supported by a doctor's letter, in which case only the $350 cancellation fee will apply.

The plan does not cover any single supplement charges. If your travelling companion cancels, you may continue by paying the single supplement, or cancel and receive a refund less the cancellation fee. After departure, the plan provides transportation home and a refund of unused services, if you are forced to cancel due to personal illness, or the personal illness or death of an immediate family member. You, your travelling companion, and any immediate family member booked to travel with you must be medically capable of travel when you pay your deposit.

The Collette plan also includes medical coverage without exclusions due to age or pre-existing medical conditions. Please note that you must have valid hospital and medical insurance under a Government Health Insurance Plan of a Province or Territory of Canada. For full details, please review the Description of Coverage information for the Collette Cancellation Waiver & Insurance Plan.

Guarantee

Jackson Tours Inc is a registered tour operator in the Province of British Columbia, registration #1347. Deposits by BC residents are secured by the British Columbia Travel Assurance Fund, through the Consumer Protection BC.

Jackson Tours is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Mainland British Columbia.

Credit Cards

We do not accept credit card payments. Avoiding credit card fees, allows us to put more value into your tour. Your personal cheque is welcome.

At Home Service, Door-to-Door Pickup and Return

Service included throughout the lower mainland from Chilliwack to Vancouver.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.